Salmon recovery funding board—Creation—Membership.

(1) The salmon recovery funding board is created consisting of ten members.

(2) Five members of the board shall be voting members who are appointed by the governor, subject to confirmation by the senate. One of these voting members shall be a cabinet-level appointment as the governor's representative to the board. Board members who represent the general public shall not have a financial or regulatory interest in salmon recovery. The governor shall appoint one of the general public members of the board as the chair. The voting members of the board shall be appointed for terms of four years, except that two members initially shall be appointed for terms of two years and three members shall initially be appointed for terms of three years. In making the appointments, the governor shall seek a board membership that collectively provide the expertise necessary to provide strong fiscal oversight of salmon recovery expenditures, and that provide extensive knowledge of local government processes and functions and an understanding of issues relevant to salmon recovery in Washington state. The governor shall appoint at least three of the voting members of the board no later than ninety days after July 1, 1999. Vacant positions on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointments. The governor may remove members of the board for good cause.

In addition to the five voting members of the board, the following five state officials shall serve as ex officio nonvoting members of the board: The director of the department of fish and wildlife, the executive director of the conservation commission, the secretary of transportation, the director of the department of ecology, and the commissioner of public lands. The state officials serving in an ex officio capacity may designate a representative of their respective agencies to serve on the board in their behalf. Such designations shall be made in writing and in such manner as is specified by the board.

(3) Staff support to the board shall be provided by the recreation and conservation office. For administrative purposes, the board shall be located with the recreation and conservation office.

(4) Members of the board who do not represent state agencies shall be compensated as provided by RCW 43.03.250. Members of the board shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided by RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.